Eye on GLBT Crime & Justice News

Penny Whipple-Kelly, 'I Thought She Was Safe' Diane's Death Could of Been Prevented Photo by ABC.com

Diane and Sharon (The Rainbow Netwok)

Sharon and 200 Other People attended Vigil That Marked the One Year Anniversary of Diane Whipple's Death. (365Gay.Com)

S.F. Assemblywoman Carole Migden's bill, A.B. 25, passed the Assembly. A Victory for Same-Sex Partners. (Gay Financial Net)

FL Transsexual Custody Trial is Over, Now We Wait It's all over execpt the waiting, for Judge O'Brien to render his final decision on custody of the two children. The experts have given their opinions, plaintiff's had their say, witness testimony is complete and attorney's closing arguments are finite. This Transsexual Custody Case could have a tremendous impact on the rights of those who have undergone sexual re-assignment in Florida. Will Florida law the medical profession decide, that Michael's gener is in fact a male. With Florida laws that seem to reflect religious beliefs when it addresses homosexuality. It has been seen throughout the state of Florida, lawmakers do allow a persons religious beliefs, to be a factor in the decision making process in gay rights battles. I can only hope and pray that Micheal does get to remain part of his childrens lives. Articles related to the court proceedings, background, expert testimony and chronology of their marriage and events of their custody case. Articles dated January 23rd ~ 25th, 2002. Video Clips of Gavel to Gavel Trial Coverage.  View Clips. From Opening ~ Testimony ~ Closing *Linda Kantaras *Michael Kantaras. *Sherry Noodwang. *Psychologist *Transgender Expert *Attorney's Remarks Warning: Some Testimony Has Very Graphic Sexual Content. Photo Gallery The Who's~Who Players in the Custody Case. Articles, Letter & Documents: Read Articles & Letter. *Michael: I'm good father. *Wife wants to take kids away. *Expert:Transsexual father better parent for custody. *Linda's nasty letter to Michael  Kantaras. *Index of Triak Articles. Jan. 22~Feb. 8. Linda's Testimony When They Met, Married, Broke-Up., Linda Forsythe met her future husband, a transsexual baker Michael Kantaras, she left the father of the baby she was carrying and custody battle over two children..

Pasco County Judge Gerard O'Brien. [Photo: Court TV]

Michael Kantaras Testrifies in Court [Photo Court TV]

Linda Kantaras Testifies in Court [Photo Court TV]

Sharon had appeared before the Assembly Judiciary Committee in Sacramento, CA.   (Rich Pedroncelli/AP)

Greta Van Susteren and Nedra Ruiz Photo Credit FoxNews

"Lesbian Dog-Mauling Death Trial" Murder Trial in the Death of Diane Whipple

Lead Prosecutor  James Hammer.

Video Clips Prosecution and Defense Closing Argueements,  Rebuttal, Press Conference & Reading of the Verticts Video Clip Links Index. Photo's of the Defense, Prosecutor and Video Clips Court TV. (Website www.courttv.com.)

Defense Nedra Ruiz Marjorie Knoller

Defense Bruce Hotchkiss Robert Noel

The Verdicts Are In ~ Defendants Guilty of All Counts Click Here.

Sharon Smith (Photo AP)

Defense Lawyer Says She May Have Blown It April 13: Nedra Ruiz conceded that she might have made mistakes during the five-week trial in Los Angeles, although she wouldn't specify what those mistakes might have been. Knoller Picks New Attorney for Appeal  Flamboyant Trial Lawyer Ruiz Replaced by Veteran Riordan April 10: Marjorie Knoller has replaced the defense attorney who shouted, waved her arms and got down on all fours in a vain attempt to persuade a jury to acquit her. Two San Francisco Chronicle Articles.

Jury Tell Reasons They Called it Murder ~ Negligence and Deception Cited in Mauling Trial Several jurors said they disliked both defendants, but, tried to concentrate on accusations against them. They said, Knoller's testimony was not believable and was crucial to ther decision for second-degree murder.

Laura S. Winans, 26, had been setting up a program to help victims of sexual abuse. (Photo ~ AP) <Left

Julianne Marie Williams, 24, family prefer to focus on the memory of her life. (Photo ~ AP)  Right>

Darrell David Rice was indicted in the women's deaths by  federal grand jury. Rice is a Virginia prison inmate already serving time for an unrelated assault and attempted abduction.  (Photo~AP) Right >

Ashcroft Calls Killing of Lesbian Couple "Hate Crime" April 11: The US Justice Department has invoked the federal hate crimes statute for the first time in a case involving the murder of gay victims, charging a Maryland man with the deaths of two young New England women killed camping in Shenandoah National Park, VA. in 1996. Attorney General John Ashcroft, announced Rice's indictment, saying the women's slayings denied the world their budding talents, "which would have been substantial." Darrell David Rice of Columbia, Md., was indicted for the 1996 slayings of Julianne Williams and Laura ''Lollie'' Winans, the Justice Department announced. Already jailed on an unrelated kidnapping charge, Rice had told authorities the women ''deserved to die because they were lesbian (expletives),'' according to the prosecution's documents filed in court. [Boston Globe Online, CNN.Com News, Boston.Com and L.A. Times.]

Attn Gen John Ashcroft spoke in length to the media about the lives and character of the two murdered Women.

Female Hikers `Take Back the Trails' May 25, 1997: The chestnut oaks and white pines in Virginia forests have cast longer shadows in the year since two women were found with their throats slashed at a back-country campsite in Shenandoah National Park. 2 Women Slain In Shenandoah National Park June 4, 1996: Julianne Williams, 24, of St. Cloud, Minn., and Lollie Winans, 26, of Unity, Maine were slain at a secluded campsite near the Appalachian Trail in Shenandoah National Park, authorities said yesterday after finding the hikers' bodies over the weekend. Throats of Shenandoah Hikers Were Slashed, Authorities Say June 5, 1996: The two young women whose bodies were found over the weekend in Shenandoah National Park died when their throats were slashed at a remote campsite, officials said yesterday, but authorities still refused to release other details of the slayings. [Read Both Articles]

Transcript of Attnory General John Ashcroft Press Conference April 10, 2002: John Ashcroft spoke at length about his meeting with the parents and about the lives and character of the victims: two Midwesterners who migrated to New England, met and became lovers, and shared a love of science and the outdoors. Following statement, Ashcroft answered questions from the media. Press Release Announcing Indictment of Darrell David Rice April 10: Darrell David Rice was charged with Capital Murder in a four count indictment in the killings of Julianne Marie Williams and Laura "Lollie" S. Winans in May 1996. [Click Here]

FBI investigators measure a trail in this June 5, 1996, file photo leading to the campsite where two women were found dead along the Appalachian Trail. (Steve Helber - AP File Photo)

Attack Led To Charges In Hikers' Slayings April 10: Shenandoah National Park rangers arrested Darrell D. Rice in 1997 for trying to abduct a female bicyclist, he said he only wanted to "ruin her day" and "make her a little unhappy." But the frenzied nature of the attack led the rangers to focus on another crime the 1996 slayings of a lesbian couple, court records say.

Darrell David Rice Pleads Innocent in '96 Lesbian Couple's Deaths April 26: A Maryland man charged with the 1996 murders of  two lesbians at a campsite in Shenandoah National Park pleaded not guilty when he appeared in court Friday

April 24: Police Still Baffled by Killing Authorities remained baffled for a motive, as they continue to investigate the bludgeoning death of a Westmoreland County teen-ager. April 23: Teen's Parents Were Target Teen accused of bludgeoning his brother to death, intended to kill his parents, authorities said. Alleged accomplice, Robert Matthew Laskowski, arraigned on charges of first-degree murder, homicide and conspiracy to commit murder. April 21: Brother Planned Murder Ian Bishop, 14,  planned his brother's murder days before the attack and showed no remorse as sibling lay bloodied in the family's Bovard home, face-down in a bathtub filling with shower water. April 20: Teens Brother Sought in Hammer State police continued to search early this morning for a 14-year-old youth suspected of fatally bludgeoning his 18-year-old brother with a hammer. Read Articles.

April 26: Adam Bishop is  Mourned as Classmates Continue to Struggle With Grief Over His Death After the homily, Adam Bishop's parents, Jeffrey and Karen Bishop, huddled together in an embrace. Karen Bishop tightly clutched a small, white leather bible and photo of her brother Adam. [Photo to Right >]

June 6: Attorney: Teen Should be Prosecuted as a Juvenile There is no evidence that Robert Laskowski conspired with Ian Bishop to plan the murder of Adam Bishop and so his case should be transferred to juvenile court. June 5: Witnesses, Bishop Thought His Brother Was Gay Witnesses testified during a preliminary hearing, Ian Bishop,  bludgeoned his only sibling to death with a claw hammer April 19 because he thought his brother was homosexual. Read Articles.

May 16: Teen murder suspects members of 'Plad Mafia'. Two teen-agers accused of plotting and carrying out murder of a High School senior were part of a small, clandestine clique at school known as the "Plad Mafia."

Ian Bishop. (Top) and his alleged accomplice Robert Laskowski, (Below) S.C. Spangler/Tribune-Review

Adam Bishop (Photo Gjuy Wathen Tribune-Review)

Adam Bishop Was bludgeoned to death, with claw hammer by his own brother, Ian Bishop, 14, and alleged accomplice Robert Laskowski, 15. As several witnesses testified the killing was because, Ian, thought he was gay. They testified, that Ian had also planned to kill his parents because he was angry at them, because they barred him from seeing his girlfriend.

Robert Laskowski  an alleged accomplice being arrested (S.C.Spangler/Tribune-Review) The Family home where Adam was beaten to death. (Below)

Joe Roscart embraces Nicole Johnston and Mary Wargo (S.C.Spangler/Tribune-Review)

Mourners Leave Evangelical Lutheran Church of Holy Trinity   (Eric Schmadel/Tribune-Review)

Sentencing, New Trial Decision Postponed June 7: Judge James Warren has continued sentencing of married lawyers Marjorie Knoller and Robert Noel until June 17 and apologized to victim's domestic partner for the delay.

Marjorie Knoller and her lawyer, Dennis Riordan, during Friday's hearing. (Photo Credit Court TV)

Sharon Smith, breaks down in tears during Friday's hearing. (Photo Credit Court TV)

A Town Divided In February 2001, Rifle teen Kyle Skyock said four other teens beat him unconscious and left him face down alongside U.S. 6. Skyock said he was attacked because he was gay, while Rifle police believe otherwise. ~ Photo Gallery. TBC's GLBT Crime & Justice Kyle Skyock News Archive 2/16~12/16/01.

Kyle Skyock Suing Brothers and Their Parents Four youths, two sets of brothers, beat him after a night of drinking, back in Feb. 2001. His attackers suddenly, began to kick, beat and bang his head on the back of an SUV and hit him with a baseball bat, leaving Kyle for dead on a roadside. Kyle was comatose for three days, suffered a fractured skull, bruising, three broken ribs and a burnlike sore on his left shoulder.

Beating Death of Fred Martinez Jr. June 4: When Shaun Murphy finally cried Monday, the tears flowed as he walked from court, about to start a 40-year prison sentence for the murder of Fred C. Martinez Jr.. Included in post; Pauline Mitchell, Fred's Mother Describes her Anguish at Sentencing. Read Both Articles. Shaun Murphy Plea Stands Sentencing Scheduled May 23: Murphy Opts Not to Change Plea, his sentencing has been scheduled for June 3rd. Shaun Murphy Pleads Guilty to Second-Degree Murder Feb 12: Shaun Murphy, entered a guilty plea to second-degree in Montezuma County District Court, charges of first-degree murder and attempted escape were dropped. Sentencing set for May 16. and Murphy faces between four ~ 48 years in prison for brutally beating Cortez teen Fred Martinez to death on June 21.

Pauline Mitchell Fred's Mother

Shaun Murphy (T) when arrested and sentenced.(B) (Jerry McBride Durango Herald)

Fred C. Martinez Jr.

Jeffery Tod Owens Jeffery and a friend were attacked outside a gay bar, they were beaten and stabbed, Jeffery died, his friend did survive. Charges of Murder, Gang Enhancement and with allegations, that it was a Hate Crime. Jeffery had worked for Inland AIDS Project, was a gay activist and survived by his life partner, Jeff Holland. A website dedicated to the memory of Jeffery Tod Owens, whose life was tragically taken on the evening of June 5th-6th, 2002. Synopsis of the websites contents and links.

Police Drian Lake in Search of Murder Weapon June 24: Police drained and searched bed of Fairmount Park's Lake Evans looking for evidence in the stabbing. They said they hoped to find a weapon that may have been used in the killing of Jeffery Owens, 40. Knife Found in Stabbing Probe June 25: Police in Riverside said they had found a knife fitting the characteristics of the one used in the June 5, stabbing in parking lot of The Menagerie bar. Both Articles.

Six Enter Innocent Pleas in Beating and Stabbing Death of Gay Man June 26: The five men charged in the beating and stabbing death of Jeffery Owens, pleaded not guilty to murder charges and hate-crime allegations. A woman also pleaded not guilty to a charge of being an accessory to murder in the death of the Moreno Valley, gay activist. All six are scheduled to return to court July 18, when a preliminary hearing date could be set.

Search Warrants Stir up Stabbing Case June 20: Riverside police served several search warrants and seized a truck matching a description of one seen leaving the bar after attack. Four Arrested in Beating and Stabbing Death of Jeffery Owens June 21: Five Riverside gang members will be charged with murder and committing a hate crime in connection with the stabbing death of a gay activist, authorities said. More Charges in Jeffery's Death Gang and Hate Enhancement June 22: The suspected gang member accused of killing Jeffery Owens may have stabbed the gay activist, but his mother contends it was not a hate crime as authorities allege Three Articles.

"The only motive for this attack was hatred," Riverside Police Chief Russ Leach said at a news conference at police headquarters.

Deputy District Attorney Anne Corrado (R) speaks with Michael Bussee. (All Photos The Press Enterprise)

Killer Dogs Owner Gets the Max, For Now July 15: Marjorie Knoller was sentenced to four years for involuntary manslaughter and for owning a mischievous animal in the fatal vicious mauling death of Diane Whipple. Blasts verdict.

Sharon Smith Attorney Rebukes Judge's Decision July 20: An attorney for Sharon Smith, the partner of dog mauling victim Diane Whipple, blasts San Francisco Superior Court Judge James Warren for implying a jury's conviction of second-degree murder against one of the dogs' caretakers, Marjorie Knoller, was tantamount to vigilante justice.

Kyle Skyock, 16, holding hands with his mother, Sharlene Skyock, as father, Mike Skyock, stands next to them at St. Mary's Hospital in Grand Junction. Charles Lintott: Special to the News

Jeffery Tod Owens 12/12/61 ~ 06/06/02 (The Press-Enterprise)

Vincent Corrales, a disc jockey at The Menagerie, sets a candle at  memorial marking the spot where Jeffery Owens was fatally stabbed. As more than 400 people gather for candlelight vigil in Jeffery's memory. (William Lewis and David Shea Press-Enterprise)

Jeff Holland, Jeffery Owens' partner, at memorial service. (Carlos Puma/Press-Enterprise)

The Press Enterprise News Articles on Jeffery Owens June 8~16 *Death Probed as Hate Crime.   *Horrified City Stands Together. *Crowd Mourns Slaying Victim.  *Murder in a Parking Lot. *Police Still Probe Killing.          *Panel to Discuss Stabbing Death. *Meeting Turned Into Eulogy.     *Hate Label May Not Stick Legally. *Family & Friends of Stabbing Victim Pour Out Love, But, Mourners' Cries of Pain Elicit No Answers. [Click to View Index of News Articles]

Riverside Police Department June 20, 2002 Press Release Jeffery Owens Homicide Investigation Fact Sheet, Radio Traffic, The Circumstances, The Investigation and Arrests Made.

Marjorie Knoller's New Neighbors Are California's Toughest Women Prisoners Aug. 18: Knoller was moved to the Central California Women's Facility (CCWF) in Chowchilla, home to the state's death row for women. Knoller will mix with high security inmates, many of whom were convicted of violent crimes, including murder, and lower-security convicts who are mostly nonviolent drug-related crimes.

Diane Whipple & Sharon Smith Photo Credit Court TV

Marjorie Knoller & Robert Noel Photo Credit Court TV

Gwen Araujo Transgender Teen Slain Three suspects enter pleas of not guilty. Comprehensive trial coverage and updates. Adam Bishop Killed by His Own Brother May Use Insanity Defense in Brother's Death Shower Glance Gay Basher Found Guilty Basher guilty of assault, but, not hate crime. Jeffery Owens Beaten & Stabbed to Death Friends hold vigil to celebrate Jeffery's life.   Click Photos for Crime & Justice News Reports.

Adam Ezerski Faces Trial for Slaying Brooklyn Resident Prosecutors will not seek the death penalty against Adam Ezerski, 20, for killing Anthony Martilotto, a gay man from Brooklyn. Ezerski is charged with the murdering Martilotto, in a Ft Lauderdale hotel room last summer, before, he fled to San Francisco in Martilotto's rented Ford Mustang. Ezerski said he killed Martilotto in self-defense after Martilotto tried to rape him. He also denied attacking a man in San Francisco. He said he engaged in a mutual fight with the man after the man refused to pay him for sex.

Adam Ezerski Likened to Gay Spree Killer Andrew Cunanan

Gay Community Put FBI on Suspect's Trail August 19: The FBI pursued Adam Ezerski 3,000 miles from Florida, but it was tips from a mobilized gay community in the Bay Area that put agents on right path to Reno, where they caught up with the fugitive suspected of killing two gay men. Photo gallery of those who had crossed paths with Ezerski and what their involvement was. August 18: Gay Serial Killer Caught August 18: Police Arrest Alleged Murderer of Gays Read Articles. August 17: Slaying Suspect Captured in Reno August 17: Brother: Slaying Suspect Wore Out Family's Loyalty August 18: Suspect in Gay Killings is Captured in Reno Hotel Read Articles. August 16: FBI Looking for Seril Killer August 17: Lauderdale Murder Suspect Wanted in California August 17: Is New Andrew Cunanan On Lose? August 18: San Francisco's Gay Community Fears Seril Killer is on Lose Read Articles.

An Angry Troy Young August 31: The San Francisco man who befriended and was later arrested in Reno with Florida murder suspect Adam Ezerski is blasting the media and police for demonizing Ezerski. "He's a sweet innocent 19-year-old kid," said Troy Young in jailhouse interview with the Bay Area Reporter and KGO-TV news, "and I think that's really sad and that just shows what our media and our police forces have come to. August 22: Ezerski Discounted in Second Slaying Slaying.

Adam Ezerski Created Fear Like Andrew Cunanan

Troy AlanYoung Arrested With Ezerski in Reno

Anthony Martilotto Ezerski Strangled him in FL Hotel

Kevin Begoon Claims was Beat and Choked by Ezerski in S.F.

Adam Ezerski Claims Killing Was in Self-Sefense

TBC's Eye on Diane Whipple Mauling Death News Archives [February 4, 2002 ~ March 24, 2002]

Marjorie Knoller Testifies Photo Bay Windows

Alex & Derek King Murdered Their Father So, Alex, then 12 and Derek, then 13, could live with Ricky Chavis, a 40 year-old convicted child molester and Alex's lover. Both the boys pleaded guilty to Third-Degree Murder and Arson Charges. Alex was sentenced to seven and Derek eight years in prison.

Video & Audio Clip Free Downloads, Info & Instructions.

Headlines & Special News Reports  Updated: 6/27/03

Trev Broudy Trev was attacked Sept. 1 on a Street in West Hollywood just after voice-over artist hugged his friend, Edward Ulett. Trev remained in a coma for ten days following the attack.  He is now undergoing physiotherapy and doctors say it is too early to tell if he will have lasting mental impairment. One of the men charged in the beating, says the attack was not a hate-crime, they didn't know he was gay. Hate crime charges were filed, but, were later withdrawn. The defendants are scheduled for arraignment on Jan. 31. TBC news staff will monitor the trial and be posting updates regularly.

"Eye on Treve Broudy October 2002 News Archives" *D.A Says "Attack Not Like Shepard Murder" ~ *L.A. Mayor, Attack Victim Push for Hate Crime Charges. *Victim of West Hollywood Attack Criticizes D.A. *LA City Council Urges DA File Hate Crime Charges. *LA DA Picketed for Not Prosecuting Gay Attack as Hate Crime. *Sexuality Did Not Prompt Attack. ~ News Articles ~ *'Didn't Know He Was Gay' Broudy Accused Says. ~ *Hate-Crimes Charges Dropped In Broudy Beating. *West Hollywood Breathes Sigh Of Relief With Arrests ~ *Hate Crime Charges Laid In Gay Actor Attack. "Eye on Treve Broudy September 2002 News Archives" *Brutal LA Attacks To Be Featured On Crime Show ~ *Anti-Gay Violence Mobilizes West Hollywood *Attacks on Gays Upset L.A. Suburb ~ *Gay Actor Out Of Coma ~ *Beating Investigated as Hate Crime ~ *The Face Of Hate, Police Release Sketch of Sucpects. ~ *Another Hate Beating Reported ~ * ~ News Archives ~

Ian Bishop (Photo Gjuy Wathen Tribune-Review)

August 17: Family Fight Preceded Killing The father of a 14-year-old boy accused of bludgeoning his brother with a hammer said in court Friday the family had a physical altercation with him about one week before Adam Bishop was killed in the family home. School Warned 9th Grader Fraught With Anger, Animosity Months Ian Bishop used a claw hammer to kill his 18-year-old brother, Hempfield Area Senior High School officials received an anonymous tip that warned of his future deadly behavior. A Call for Help Transcript of an anonymous telephone call Hempfield Area Senior High School received Oct. 26, 2001. The call was made to the Safe School Hotline. Read Articles and Transcript of Telephone Call.

Jeffrey and Karen Bishop (Sean Stipp/Tribune-Review)

Sept 20: Attorneys Say Teen Was Duped Into Aiding in Killing School officials say they were puzzled about friendship between Robert Laskowski and Ian Bishop. Describing Laskowski as an overt homosexual who had a relationship with a black 12th-grader while Ian Bishop appeared racist and had animosity toward gays and minorities. Laskowski's defense say the teen may have been duped into being friends with Ian Bishop and had no prior knowledge of the plot to kill the teen's family.

The Family home where Adam was beaten to death. (S.C.Spangler/Tribune-Review)

Trev Broudy [Rage Models]

Eddie "Gwen' Araujo Gwen, 17, was finally living as the female he always knew himself to be. At was at age 14, that Gwen, worked up the courage to come out to his family. At party Oct 3, 2002, a young woman emerged from a bathroom that Gwen had been using and announced he was male. Four men began brutally beating and strangling her. Then dumped Gwen's lifeless body in a shallow grave. TBC Eye on GLBT News Staff, continues to follow this tragic event and post news updates as soon a they become available.

Classmates Console Each Other (CBS 5 Pix Page)

A crowd of several hundred attended Eddie "Gwen" Araujo's funeral. (The Daily Californian)

Newark Memorial High Students Rehearsal of "The Laramie Project". (Gay Financial Network)

Prosecutors Prepare for Possible 'Trans Panic' Defense Nov 12: Jaron Nabors, charged in the murder of Eddie 'Gwen' Araujo, has pleaded innocent of the murder. The killing came allegedly after the defendants learned she was a biological male. Prosecutors are preparing for a defense that may raise a "transgender panic" motive for the killing.

Op~Ed: "Amazing Grace" by Monica Taher. & Op~Ed: "R.I.P. GWEN ARAUJO" by David Steinberg.

Transgender Day of Remembrance Roanoke7, PFLAG and Interfaith Sexual Minorities to conduct Transgender Day of Remembrance. 4th Annual Transgender Day of Remembrance. View a list of national and international locations where vigils are scheduled to be held and additional info. ~ http://www.rememberingourdead.org/day/where.html ~

Whether Gay Colo. Teen Was Beaten Remains Question as Civil Suit Pursued Nov 12: Two years after a gay teen suffered serious injuries while drunk, it remains unclear whether Kyle Skyock was beaten or accidentally injured, according to the Denver Post. But, Skyock gave police a detailed description of being beaten by four youths yelling gay epithets and wielding a bat.

Eddie 'Gwen' Araujo (365Gay.Com)

Eddie 'Gwen' Araujo (NTAC Photo)

Fourth Suspect Charged in Killing of Transgender Teen Nov 19: A fourth suspect, Jason Cazares, 22, has been charged with murder, almost a month after Eddie "Gwen" Araujo was killed at a party when it was discovered the youth was male instead of female.

Defense Questions Murder Charges Nove 23: Testimony in the case of a gay man beaten and stabbed outside a Riverside bar shifted from the crime scene to the hospital Friday, with more to come next month. The key question is whether five men who allegedly attacked Jeffery Owens should be held responsible for murder considering that an overdose of a blood-thinning drug contributed to his death. [June 26: Hospital Probes Care Jeffery Owens Received".] Witness Testifies in Fatal Attack Nove 22: Moments before Jeffery Owens was beaten and stabbed outside a Riverside gay bar, one of his attackers swore at him and made a derogatory remark about his sexuality, a witness told investigators. Owens' partner, Jeff Holland, told investigators he heard one of the attackers say, "All right, you want trouble you . . . fag, you got it," Riverside police Detective Rita Cobb said as she testified during a preliminary hearing for five men accused of a hate crime for killing the 40-year-old Moreno Valley man.

Attack at Morehouse Raises Troubling Questions About Blaming Victim and Homophobia Nov 12: Op~Ed: by Jay Croft. Blaming the victim has reached a new low: "He looked at me." It used to be a common view of rape victims to say, "She deserved it for dressing that way and going out alone at night." Similarly, gay bashers will offer, "I hit him after he touched me, made a pass or said something inappropriate." Shower Glance Ends In Dorm Beating Nov 12: A Morehouse College sophomore charged with beating another student on the head with a baseball bat after the victim allegedly looked at him in the shower. The victim was attacked in a dormitory bathroom.

Shower Glance Ends In Morehouse College Dorm Beating

DA Alleges Hate Crime in Morehouse Bat Attack Nov 23: Fulton County District Attorney Paul Howard will prosecute as a hate crime the baseball bat beating of a Morehouse College junior by another student. Howard said prosecutors will announce at the arraignment for Aaron Price, 19, that they will seek the enhanced penalty that could add as much as five years to a sentence. Anyone convicted under the hate crime law also has to serve 90 percent of the sentence. Shower Glance Attack Polarizes Morehouse University Nov 19: The president of Morehouse College, the scene of a violent attack on a student, said the school is not homophobic. Since the beating, students say their efforts to discuss it in public forums have been quashed at least twice. Officials canceled one forum to talk about the issue. Students proceeded to meet anyway. The University suspended the Student Government Association activities for remainder semester over the forum. Gay Culture Defies Tradition at Morehouse Nov 17: Morehouse College President Walter Massey said that "homophobia is not a new topic at Morehouse College," as he addressed the beating of a student in a dorm. Morehouse Chief Vows Talks on Gay Issues Nov 16: Morehouse College President Walter Massey confronted criticism the school is avoiding dealing with the campus culture that led to homophobic beating of a student two weeks ago.  Some Complain Morehouse Attack Issues Suppressed Nov 15: Some Morehouse College students, along with a national gay and lesbian group, say college officials are trying to squelch efforts to discuss attack on a student in a dormitory shower. Read  News Articles.

Walter Massey: President Morehouse College.

Christopher Raynsford Christopher told friends he had been threatened and robbed at knifepoint by a man he met on an Internet chat line and invited home. Two weeks later, he was found murdered in his apartment. A drifter, who was main suspect, was questioned and released. But, Police have now arrested and charged him with the brutal beating death of Christopher Raynsford.

Canada.Com December 5 & 6th News Articles *Police Warned Gays About Dating Services *Chat Group Mourning *Homicide a Reality Check for Gay Men. *Ottawa's Hate Crimes Unit 'Making Headway' *'Gay Bashing' Feared in Killing. ~ Read Articles ~

Family Holds Quiet Memorial For Slain Gay Man Dec 10: The family of Christopher Raynsford held a quiet memorial in his home town in western Ontario. Police said a witness is now considered a suspect in killing. Hunt For Killer Leads To Second Possible Victim Dec 7: Investigators believe that Christopher Raynsford may not have been the killer's only victim. Homicide detectives are comparing evidence from the slaying of a another gay man in Kingston city.

Christopher Raynsford Did Chris meet his killer on a gay chat?

Did He Meet His Killer In Gay Chat Room? Dec 6: Friends said Raynsford had told them a month before the killing he had been threatened and robbed by a stranger he met in an internet gay chat room.

National Public Radio "All Things Considered" [Audio Clip (7:45)] Dec 12: Morehouse College Students Decry the Anti-Gay Attitudes on Campus.

Dontee Stokes Dontee was charged with attempted murder for the shooting of Rev. Maurice Blackwell, a Catholic Priest. Dontee had alleged the priest had molested him when he was a teenager. But, a jury aquit him of the most serious charges and even asked for leniency when the former alter boy is sentenced on minor gun charges.

Cardinal William Keeler Apologizes and Prays with Dontee July 20: Cardinal Apologizes to the Man Accused of Shooting Priest. *Text Of Letter Sent to Cardinal Keeler from Dontee's Attorney. ~ Read Article and Letter ~ May 17: Priest Shooting Suspect Free on Bail. May 16: No Bail for Alleged Priest Shooter. May 15: Priest Shooting Suspect Due In Court. May 14: Priest Shot by a Man Who Accused Him of Molestation. The Mother and Pastor of Man Charged in Catholic Priest Shooting Talking to "Today" host Katie Couric about why they think the 26-year-old man shot a priest he accused of molesting him as a boy. Video Clip (6:24)

Rev. Maurice Blackwell shot three times, denies he molested  gunman. (Photo MSNBC)

Dontee Stokes, charged with shooting Priest, he alleges molested him. (Photo MSNBC)

Jury Acquits Man Charged With Shooting Priest Dec 17: A sympathetic jury cleared a man of most charges in the shooting of a priest who he said abused him as a teenager. Jurors asked for leniency when the former altar boy is sentenced on minor gun charges. Prosecutor: Alleged Abuse Didn't Justify Shooting; Jury to Begin Deliberations Monday Dec 13: A prosecutor urged jurors to convict a man who shot a priest accused of sexual abuse, saying it would send a message that people must not take the law into their own hands when they feel wronged. Cardinal Testifies He Regrets Reinstating Priest Accused of Abuse Dec 12: Cardinal William Keeler testified he regretted reinstating Rev. Maurice Blackwell after a 1993 sex abuse claim and took "very seriously" the allegation by the man now charged with shooting the priest. ~ Read FoxNews.Com Articles ~ Guilt No Simple Issue in Shooting of Priest Dec 11: In an opening statement in Circuit Court, Stokes's attorney stressed the allegations of abuse and the church's failure to deal with them. "Nobody, unless they've been through what this boy went through, has any idea what he was thinking when he pulled the trigger," Warren A. Brown said.

Dontee D. Stokes, left, his mother, Tamara Stokes, and attorney, Warren A. Brown. (Roberto Borea -- AP)

Dontee D. Stokes surrounded by well wishers, after jury aquits him of most charges. (Photo MSNBC)

Dontee Stokes Expected To Avoid Prison Time Dec 17: Dontee Stokes, not guilty of attempted murder in shooting priest, deal will keep him out of jail for handgun violations. He has to serve 18 months of house arrest and three years of probation for the violations.

Dog-Mauling Death Case Settled Victim's Mom, Partner Sued Landlords Dec 21: The mother and former domestic partner of dog-mauling victim Diane Whipple settled wrongful death lawsuits they filed against the landlords of the San Francisco building where Whipple was killed. Penny Whipple Kelly, Whipple's mother, and Sharon Smith, who lived with Whipple, filed separate wrongful death lawsuits after Whipple was mauled to death in the hallway of her Pacific Heights apartment building. Mauling Victim's Mother Sues 2 Attorneys, Building Owners April 11: Calling the two lawyers whose dog killed her daughter "loathsome" and "reprehensible," Diane Whipple's mother filed a wrongful-death lawsuit yesterday against Marjorie Knoller and Robert Noel.

Hospital Overdose Settlement Reached Dec 4: Riverside County has paid $257,500 to the family of Jeffrey Owens to settle claims stemming from a drug error that contributed to his death in June at Riverside County Regional Medical Center.

Administrator Quits Regional Hospital Post Jan 24: Riverside County Regional Medical Center's top administrator has resigned after less than three years in the job amid concerns about her management of the hospital. Owens Case Ruling Questioned Jan 23: The decision to dismiss a hate-crime allegation against the men charged with murdering Jeffery Owens has disappointed some in the gay and lesbian community. The sentiment was echoed by a hate- crimes expert, who said there is no question the gay man was the victim of homophobic hatred. Trial Ordered in Gay Slaying Jan 22: Superior Court Judge Patrick Magers ordered five men to stand trial on murder charges in the death of a gay man last June but ruled the attack outside a Riverside bar was not a hate crime.  Court Hears Nurse in Owens' Death Case Jan 11: Patricia Forst, the nurse who accidentally gave Jeffery Owens a drug overdose that contributed to his death after he was stabbed outside a Riverside gay bar testified that she knew the proper dosage. ~ The Press-Enterprise Jan 11th~Jan 24th News Articles ~

Special Prosecutor Sought in Colorado Teens Beating March 6: A lawyer for a Rifle, teenager who says he was beaten because he is gay has requested a special prosecutor in the case. Calvin Lee, representing 17-year-old Kyle Skyock, made the request Feb. 20 of a Garfield County District Court because no charges have been filed. Colodrdo Anti-Violence Program Press Release Feb. 10: The Colorado Anti-Violence Program (CAVP) joined with other lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender organizations in supporting the filing of a federal civil rights claim and state tort claim today on behalf of Kyle Skyock, a Rifle, Colorado teenager who was beaten and left to die by the roadside in sub-freezing temperatures last February.

Brutally Beaten Gay Teen Sues Brothers and Parents Feb 10: Four Youths, two sets of brothers and their parents are being sued. Kyle Skyock, 17, alleges that he was attacked, brutally beaten, was left for dead facedown and unconscious on the roadside by the youths. The lawsuit was filed, because local police and the local district attorney refusal to file charges. Joining in the suit are Colorado Legal Initiatives Project, the Human Rights Campaign; Colorado Anti- Violence Program; Equal Rights Colorado; GLBT Community Center of Colorado; and Western Equality. The lawsuit will allege the four youths conspired to deprive Kyle of his constitutional rights." Kyle's Mother, Sharlene Skyock said "We're not doing this to be hateful. We're not after innocent people," adding "We're doing this to stop the hate."

Patric Ian Henn September 11 Gay Scam Artist Patric Ian Henn had committed what can only be described as, the most despicable and reprehensible crimes that anyone could knowingly and willingly commit. As GLBT's survivors were attempting to cope with the devastating loss of their life partners, many find themselves struggling financially. Henn saw a way to cash in on other peoples misery. By claiming he lost his partner in the World Trade Center, he applied for and reportedly received from the Red Cross, $68,000., paid to fly Henn back and forth from South Florida to New York

and put him up in hotels. As those legitimately in desperate financial need, waited for their information to be verified. Henn managed to stall providing proper information to validate his domestic partner relationship and disappeared with his ill gotten gains, before his deceitful scam was discovered. That was until Patric Ian Henn's scam was unearthed by the Florida Express Gay News and now a warrant for his arrest was isssued. [See the Express Gay News outstanding investigative and comprehensive news coverage below.]

Cops Hunt 911-Gay Scam Artist Dec 23: Florida police have obtained a warrant for Patric Ian Henn, accused of conning the American Red Cross out of $68,000 by claiming his domestic partner died in the Sept. 11 attack on the World Trade Center. The warrant was issued by Ft Lauderdale police ten months after the scam was first unearthed by a Florida Express Gay News. Police blame the delay on the Red Cross which was slow in turning over files.

Express Gay News Breaking News Report: "Diaster And Deceit" An exclusive Express Gay News investigation has revealed Patric Ian Henn collected over $25,000 from various agencies offering emergency cash aid to victims, without substantiating a single claim that he was a legitimate domestic partner of a person who purportedly perished in the September 11 disaster. Furthermore, the New York City Police Department has now confirmed they too have an ongoing investigation into the claim by the man who says he was living "elegantly and affluently" with the help of his partner, Henn's claims died in the World Trade Center that fateful morning. Express Gay News Articles Henn Continues Lies in Colorado The Express has learned that Patric Ian Henn is attempting to continue his scam in Littleton, Colorado Theft Most Foul; Henn Disgraces Gays The Express has learned our story about Patric Ian Henn was very accurate. We found numerous men who claimed Henn tricked with them regularly, and that he was nothing more than a party boy in heat. [Read Both Articles]

Henn, [Left] showed this photo to friends, claiming man to right was his deceased partner, Jeff John Andersen. [Photo Credit: Express Gay News]

Partner's Sad Sept. 11 Story Leads to Inquiry A young, grieving gay man, Patric Ian Henn, made for a sad and sympathetic story. The World Trade Center had crumbled, killing his lover of four years. In seconds, his life tumbled from financial fortune to seeking the help of relief agencies. And even they were slow to validate his domestic partner relationship. Alleged Trade Center Aid Scams Six months after the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, authorities in New York and elsewhere are investigating more than 100 people for allegedly cheating charities of more than $1 million in aid intended for victims of the World Trade Center attack.

Police Say 'No Connection' Between Assault Suspect & Killer of Gay Man Dec 27: Police have arrested a man who allegedly assaulted and robbed gay men he met through a popular telephone chat service. But, police say they believe there is nothing to link the suspect to the killing of Christopher Raynsford, who investigators believe may have met his killer in an internet gay chat room. More Details Emerging On Suspect In 'Chatroom Slaying' Dec 12: More is becoming known about man police are hunting in the killing of 35 year old Ottawa gay man.

Judge: Juvenile Will Be Tried As An Adult in Bishop Slaying Dec 13, 2002: Both Hempfield Township teenagers accused in the brutal claw hammer slaying of 18-year-old Adam Bishop will be tried as adults on charges of first-degree murder. Judge Debra A. Pezze denied a request from 15-year-old Robert Laskowski to transfer his case to juvenile court. Parents: Police Lied About Son's Role in Murder Oct 11: Robert Laskowski told police just hours after his friend's 18-year-old brother was bludgeoned to death that he knew about the murder plot three days before the attack. But, Laskowski's parents, who sat in on the interrogation, testified their son never admitted to having prior knowledge of the fatal attack on Adam Bishop.

*Aaron Price aces hate crime shower glance gay bashing. *Adam Bishop killed by brother, thought he was gay. *Adam Ezerski cross country gay spree killings. *Chris Raynsford, did he met his killer on a Gay Chat? *Derek & Alex King plead guilty in murder of their father. *Diane Whipple mauled to death by neighbors dogs. *Dontee Stokes cleared most charges in shooting priest. *Eddie 'Gwen' Araujo murdered for dressing as female. *Fred Martinez Jr.'s teen killer gets 40 years in prison. *Jeffery Owens no justice, killers no hate crime charges. *Laura & Julia killing first time hate crime statute invoked. *Kyle Skyock gay bashed, sues attackers and parents. *Leona Helmsley, $40 million Gay Bias Lawsuit. *Michael Kantaras, transsexual child custody case. *Patric Henn lies partners died on 9/11, scams $68.000. *Trev Broudy attackers no hate crime charges. *Eight Gay Men Massacred in Cape Town, So. Africa. ~ Click Photo's for Featured News Reports ~

Eye on GLBT Crime & Justice News Headlines [Go] Eye on GLBT Crime & Justice News Archives [Go] Featured GLBT Victims & Crimes News Reports [Go] Eye on GLBT Crime & Justice News Guestbook [Go]

Killing Suspect Questioned & Released Jan 10: A 24 year old drifter picked up in connection with the brutal killing of Ottawa man was questioned and released. Police refused to say Thursday afternoon if Sebastien Roy remains a suspect, or what his release means to the investigation into the murder of  34 year old Christopher Raynsford. New Leads In 'Chat Room Slaying' Jan 8: Police have released a photo of Sebastien Roy, 24, of Montreal, wanted in connection with the brutal November killing of  Chris Raynsford, Ottawa and say he could be anywhere in North America.

Morehouse Beating Accused To Face Hate Crime Charge Jan 10: A former Morehouse College student charged in the baseball bat beating of gay student in a college shower is facing a hate crime charge. The Fulton County prosecutor told an arraignment hearing for Aaron Price, 19, that he would seek the stiffer penalty. Morehouse Plans Mandatory Homophobia Seminars Jan 3: Despite previously downplaying homophobia at Morehouse and refusing to label the attack a hate crime, Morehouse College dean of student affairs, announced last week the school will now require students to attend sessions on homophobia, sexual harassment, anger management and diversity.

Sebastien Roy Arrested and charged in Gay Chat Murder

Queen of Mean is Anti-Gay Bias Lawsuit The ex-manager of Manhattan's Park Lane Hotel, Charles Bell, filed a $10 million lawsuit, against Leona Helmsley. Bell claims that Helmsley verbally abused him upon learning he was homosexual and the man who hired him, her supposed boyfriend, was also is a homosexual. That after enduring a month of Helmsley's anti-gay tirades and insults, she fired him because he was gay. The jury has been seated and testominy has begun in the $10 million lawsuit. [See below for Leona's Others Gay Lawsuits & Scandals Archives] TBC is following the Helmsley trial, posting updates and news articles daily.

*Former Security Officers Support Fired Gay Employee's Story~Jan 16: Two of Leona Helmsley's former security officers testified that she fired the gay manager of the hotel where she lives soon after learning that the man who hired him, her supposed boyfriend, also is a homosexual. [Article Includes Video Clip WNBC News Report Anti-Gay Bias Lawsuit and Leona Responds] *Helmsley Says She's Victim of Gay Bashing~Jan 16: "Look what they did to me, darling," Helmsley said, "They beat me up!". "What did I do?" Helmsley exclaimed, voice loaded with irritation, no hint of the victim."It gets me angry! They really should apologize." *Ex-Employee Says Helmsley Abused Him~Jan. 15: *Hotel Manager Says Helmsley Fired Him Because He's Gay~Jan 14: *Fume at the Inn~Jan 14: *Trial To Open In Hotel Manager's Gay Bias Suit Against Helmsley~Jan 13: ~ Read Articles ~

Eye on GLBT Crime & Justice "Leona Helmsley's Gay Lawsuits and Scandals News Archives" *Leona Helmsley Sued Again and Queen of Mean Fights Gay Lawsuit~Jan. 28/30, 2002: Michael Ward alleges he was hired as catering director of Manhattan's Park Lane Hotel has sued owner Leona Helmsley for $5 million, saying he was fired because he is gay. *Queen of Mean In Another Ugly Gay Scandal~Nov. 6, 2002: A gay man, dying of AIDS, is accusing the management of a building Leona Helmsley owns of trying to throw him into the street. Owen-Pahl Greene is fighting eviction from a penthouse he shared with his late boyfriend. *Helmsley Held Liable in Defamation Suit~Aug 5, 2002: Patrick Ward, was hired a chief operations officer and vice chairman for Helmsley Enterprises, denied he gave her any impression he was romantically interested in her. She was quoted she had thoughts of marriage. Her plans and Ward's position came to an abrupt end when Helmsley discovered, that Ward was gay. ~ Leona Helmsley 2002 Archives ~

"Eye on Treve Broudy January 2003 News Archives" *Three Beating Suspects to Stand Trial. ~ *Gay Beating Victim Testifies at Hearing. *Trev Broudy Faces His Attackers. ~ *LA Pair To Stand Trial in Hate Attacks.

Gay It Ain't So! Jan 17: Former bodyguard testified, Leona fired her chief of operations after learning he was homosexual, then vowed she'd pink-slip her hotel's gay general manager. It Wasn't The Gay Hotel Manager It Was The Leather Boys Leona's Lawyer Says Jan 17: Helmsley's lawyer pointed out, that Bell was fired, one day after Helmsley noticed a group of leather men in the lobby in town for the "Black Party."  A gay leather bash is known for its raunchy sex. ~ January 17th Articles ~

Suspect Questioned, Released Was Arrested and Charged in Beating Death Jan 17: Drifter Sebastein Roy was the target of an intense investigation by the Ottawa police major crime squad, almost from the day Christopher Raynsford's badly beaten body was found on Dec. 4. Roy's arrest comes on what would have been Christopher Raynsford's 35th birthday.

Diane Whipple Mauling Death

Dontee Stokes Shot Priest

Gwen Araujo Murder Victim

Aaron Price Gay Basher

Derek King Killed Father

Alex King Killed Father

GLBT Crime & Justice News Staff follows news events of crimes committed against or by GLBT's and Lawsuits. From the criminal offense, investigations, suspects, arrests, charges, trials, posting comprehensive updated reports as these news events unfold. Postings include news articles, photos, audio/video clips

Helmsley Workers Describe Wild Gay Sex Parties Jan 25: Chambermaids who had to clean Charles Bell's suite in the hotel, likened it to a den of gay iniquity, strewn with used condoms, dildos and other sex toys. Leona's Gross Gains Jan 24: Helmsley Park Lane Hotel room attendants, Khady Kandji and Roselyn Lee provided the X-rated testimony on behalf of their boss, Leona Helmsley. Initial Defense Witness Proves Queer Choice Jan 23: Leona Helmsley began her defense of charges she's biased against gays yesterday - and her first witness was a homosexual employee who said she'd illegally asked him his sexual orientation. Leona's Wild Cruise Slur Jan 22: Hotel magnate Leona Helmsley called Tom Cruise a "fag" according to more wacky testimony. ~ New York Post Jan 22~24 Articles ~ Leona Trial Goes NC-17 Jan 23: Leona's trial went from PG-13 to NC-17 when hotel housekeepers testified former general manager regularly left sex toys, used condoms and other sexual materials scattered around his residential apartment. Maids Say Bell's Room Looked Like a Torture Den Jan 23: Maids testified Thursday that the general manager's suite in Leona Helmsley's Park Lane Hotel often looked like a sex torture den before they cleaned up. Helmsley Adviser Testifies Jan 23: Melodrama continues, as adviser testified he told, Leona her boyfriend was living with a man. ~ Newsday Jan 23 Articles ~ Take an Inside Look at Lavish Leona Helmsley's Life Jan 19: Tidbits have emerged in $40 million gay-bias suit against the so-called "Queen of Mean" a sensational trial providing a peek behind the velvet curtain into the hot-tempered homebody hotelier's regal lifestyle.

Trev Broudy and Mom Breaks down as he speaks to repoters after testifing. [LA Times]

Adam Bishop Murder Victim

Jeffery Owens Murder Victim

Trev Broudy Bashing Victim

Patric Henn 9/11 Scam

Chris Raynsford Murder Victim

Adam Ezerski Spree Gay Killer

Fred Martinez Murder Victim

Julia Williams Murder Victim

Laura Winans Murder Victim

Leona Helmsley Gay Bias Suit

Lawyer: Evidence on Laskowski Innsufficient Jan 14, 2003: The lawyer for Robert Laskowski, accused of helping his friend kill his 18-year-old brother, filed court papers claiming there is not enough evidence to support that allegation and wants a judge to throw out the murder charge against Laskowski.

Robert Laskowski (Tribune-Review)

Eddie "Gwen' Araujo News Archives October 2002 *Hundreds Mourn Death of Transgender Youth ~ *Overflow Crowd Gathers to Mourn Transgender Teen *School Play Reflects Real Life Hate Crime ~ *Police Vow to Find Fourth Suspect in Trans Murder. *Slaying of Transgender Boy Haunts City ~  *Three Charged in Hate Crime Death of Teen. *Suspects In Teen's Slaying Face Hate Crime Charges ~ *Three Men Arraigned in Brutal Bludgeoning Death. *Slain Newark Teen Balanced Between Two Worlds ~ *Classmates Mourn Loss of Murdered Teen. ~ News Archives October 2002 ~

News Coverage on Trial of Leona Helmsley Gay Bias Lawsuit for Jan 28th, 29th & 30th *SHHH! No Telling Leona's Gay Secrets *Leona Helmsley on the Stand; They Moment They Waited For *At Trial, Helmsley Denies Being Anti-Gay ~ Read N.Y. Post, N.Y. Times & 365Gay.Com News Articles ~

Former Hotel Manager Awarded $11.2 Million Gay Bias Lawsuit Feb 4: A  jury found that Charles Bell had endured a "hostile and abusive work environment" while running Helmsley's Park Lane Hotel. Awarding $10 million in punitive and $1.2 million in compensatory damages.

Leona Helmsley says she's the one being gay bashed

Charles Bell says he was fired just cause he is Gay.

Community Rally's Seeking Refiling of Hate-Crime Charges Feb 1: More than 100 people gathered in front of a Riverside church to demand that dismissed hate-crime charges against the men accused of killing Jeffery Owens be refiled, as parents of the defendants staged a counter-protest. People say last June's fatal stabbing outside a Riverside gay bar was unprovoked.

Hate-Crime Charge Demanded in Slaying Jan 30: Those who believe Jeffery Owens was attacked and killed because he was gay are planning a rally Friday to demand hate- crime allegations dismissed last week be re-filed. But, Supervising District Attorney Bill Mitchell said an initial review of the preliminary hearing indicates Judge Patrick Magers made the correct ruling last week when he dismissed the hate-crime allegation.

Renee Griffin of Riverside, center, holds a sign during a rally in front of a Riverside church to protest the judge's ruling that the slaying of Jeffery Owens was not a hate crime.  Valerie Berta/The Press-Enterprise

Men Accused of West Hollywood Attack on Gay Actor Face More Charges Feb 2: Three men accused of the September baseball bat attack on a gay actor in West Hollywood pleaded innocent Friday to an additional and more serious charge of aggravated mayhem, authorities said. The charge of aggravated mayhem mean the three men could face life in prison without parole.

Prosecutors Given Go-Ahead to Seek Death Penalty for Lesbians Couples Killing Feb 3: Attorney General John Ashcroft has given federal prosecutors the go-ahead to seek the death penalty against the man charged with the 1996 slayings of two lesbian hikers in Shenandoah National Park. It is the first time that a prosecution will go forward under Virginia's 1994 law allowing harsher penalties for crimes motivated by bias against gays and lesbians and the first time federal prosecutors will use a state hate crime law to prosecute someone accused of a gay bias crime anywhere in the US.

Mourners Flock to Gay Club Victims' Memorial Jan 25: More than 300 people packed the tiny Holy Redeemer Anglican Church in Sea Point on Saturday to pay their respects to the eight men murdered this week at the Sizzlers gay massage parlour. Cape Town Mayor Nomaindia Mfeketo said this was a very sad occasion, but it was hoped something good for the community could come from the tragedy. Memorial Planned For Gay South African Massacre Victims Jan 25: Cape Town's gay community is planning a memorial service for the eight men brutally murdered and two others were critically wounded by four men at Sizzlers a gay massage parlor. Eight Executed in South Africa Gay Massage Parlour Jan 21: South African police are hunting the killers of eight men in a gay massage parlour. The men were gagged and bound with duct tape then shot and their throats slit in a house in Sea Point, a suburb of Cape Town. Two other men, who suffered similar injuries, were being treated at Groote Schuur Hospital.

Winnie to Help Cape Town Massacre Victims' Families Jan 28: ANC Women's League president Winnie Madikizela-Mandela has offered to help the family of one of the men who died in the bloody attack on gay massage parlour in Sea Point, Cape Town, last week, the African National Congress said on Monday. Madikizela-Mandela offered her assistance after reading in the press that the family of Johan Meyer were too poor to travel to Cape Town from Johannesburg to fetch their son's body.

Winnie Madikizela- Mandela

Gay Slaying Identikits Get a Response Feb 5: Police had received an "incredible" response from the public after releasing the identikits of two men wanted for the massacre at Sizzlers gay massage parlour in Sea Point appeared in newspapers. Gays Respond Quickly to Killings in Cape Town Feb 3: Dozens of mourners have come to weep and leave flowers in memory of the nine gay men who were killed in an attack on the massage parlor. Within hours of the killings, the Triangle Project, which counsels gay and lesbian clients, was passing along tips to the police and extending its counseling hours.

Police Release Identikits of the Two Suspects in the Sea Point Massacre Jan 31: Police released composites sketches of two of the suspectes wanted in the Jan 20, execution style killings of eight gay men. Click here to for enlarged images and a brief descriptions of suspects.

Two Accused of Massacre Appear In Court Feb 18: Two men accused of the brutal slayings of nine men at a gay massage parlor in Cape Town, South Africa appeared in court Monday. It was the first opportunity for relatives of the victims to see the suspected killers face to face and family members packed the public gallery at the Cape Town Magistrate's Court.  Two Arrested For Cape Town Gay Massacre Feb 14: Release of identikits assist police in arrests of two suspects in connection with Jan 20 massacre at Sizzlers massage parlour which left nine gay men dead. Police said they arrested a 42-year-old colored male and 26-year-old white male. Cape Town Massacre Survivor Discharged Feb 6: The only survivor of the attack on the Sizzlers gay massage parlour was discharged from Groote Schuur Hospital, police declined to say where the man, believed to be in his early 20s, was being guarded.

Eight Gay Men Executed in South Africa Gay Massage Parlour

Hearing Begins in Killing of 17-Year-Old Eddie ``Gwen'' Araujo Jan 30: New details in the case of murdered transgender teen Eddie "Gwen" Araujo. Gwen's mother left the courtroom in tears as policeman described finding the dead teen's body, bound at the neck, wrists, knees and ankles and with a bloodstained cloth stuffed in her mouth.

Fanus Fouche, Left, Juan Meyer, Right, Bottom: Travis Reade, Right, and Sergio de Castro, Left.

Sizzlers Gay Massage Parlour the scene of execution style massacre of nine gay men.

Man Released on Bail Said to Be Friend to Gays Feb 12: A judge released Michael Magidson on $1.6 million in bail. Despite the prosecutor's warnings that suspect Michael Magidson was the primary aggressor in the brutal beating death of Eddie "Gwen" Araujo. And a danger to the community, the Superior Court judge still released him on bail.

Aaron Webster November 17, 2001, Aaron Webster's, battered body found near the Bridle Path in Stanley park. Aaron was hit repeatedly in the head and upper body with what police say was a pool cue or baseball bat by at least three to four men. Prosecutors will charge those responsible with killing Aaron under Canada's hate crimes law, this will add years to their sentences. Tim Chisholm, Webster's best friend, tragically, found Aaron near death at the side of road and he died in Chisholm's arms. The Stanley Park brutal killing of Aaron Webster shocked the city and traumatized the gay community. Eye on GLBT Crime & Justice news staff, has closely followed and reported on Aaron Webster's tragic beating death. Posted below is the breaking news story of the police arresting a teen, who has been charged with manslaughter and TBC's archives of news articles on Aaron Webster's murder for 2001~2002.

Aaron Webster and Stanley Park. (TBC File Photo)

Stanley Park

Eye on GLBT Crime & Justice News Articles 2002 Archives *Vancouver Marks Anniversary Of Gay Slaying ~ *Vancouver Rocked By 3rd Summer Gay Bashing. TBC News Articles 2001 Archives *Tips Lead to List of Suspects in Aaron Webster Murder ~ *Man Comes Forward Also Attacked in Park. *Hunt For Aaron's Killers Grows Cold ~ *Few Clues In Hate-Crime Killing In Stanley Park, Vancouver *Updates on Brutal Hate Crime Killing in Vancouver. ~ *Vancouver Killers 'Likely Serial Gay Bashers' *Update: On Heads of Aaron Webster's Killers ~ *Service Held to Remember Hate Crime Victim. Nov 30:  Update: Canada Moves to Toughen Hate Crime. ~ Click to View Aaron Webster News 2001~2002 Archives ~

Aaron Webster and his collie Zane. Photo Credit: Aaron Webster's Family

Police Arrest Teen for Stanley Park Murder Feb 13: More than one year after Aaron Webster was beaten to death in Stanley Park, a 19-year-old was picked up by Vancouver police Wednesday morning, taken into custody for questioning, was then arrested and charged with manslaughter.

Police Nab Suspect in Gay Man's Death Feb 13: Vancouver police have made a breakthrough in the killing of Aaron Webster, a brutal murder that had shocked the city and traumatized the gay community. Since Aaron Webster was clubbed to death in Stanley Park at about 2:30 a.m. on Nov. 17, 2001, public pressure has been intense to find his attackers.

Aaron Webster's Mom Makes Plea for Closure Feb 16: Do the right thing and give us closure. That's the plea from the family of Aaron Webster, 41, who was set upon and beaten to death in Stanley park, 15 months ago. "He only had half his life," said Aaron's mother, Joan Prokopetz, who came down from Armstrong to speak publicly for the first time. She added  "Aaron had a right to live his life his way. It was a hate crime. Sexuality -- that shouldn't matter. We need to be more tolerant."

Joan Prokopetz, mother of Aaron Webster, and his sister, Faith Quintillan. (CREDIT: Nick Procaylo, The Province

Teen Accused In Baseball Bat Murder of Aaron Webster Released on Bail Feb 20: A 19 year old man charged with manslaughter in the 2001 murder of Aaron Webster was granted bail by a Vancouver court. After a day of hearing arguments from both prosecutors and defense attorneys the judge ordered him released on a $100,000 surety, and imposed a series of tough restrictions on him.

Woman Says She Saw Man Attack Newark Teen Feb 20: A woman who was in the same house the night Eddie ``Gwen'' Araujo was killed testified that she saw a Fremont man strike and choke Araujo, and later came across the same man and a friend as they were out looking for shovels. Witness: Group Confronted Killed Teen Feb 19:  Pandemonium broke out after four men learned that the flirtatious girl they knew as Lida, Eddie "Gwen" Araujo, was biologically male, a woman who helped unmask Lida's biological sex testified. ~ February 19th & 20th News Articles ~ Suspicions Swirled About Transgender Teen's Sexual Identity Feb 19: She was sassy, brazen and flamboyant -- unlike any ``girl'' they had ever met. But there was more about Lida that made the four men question, in the days and weeks leading to her death, whether the striking beauty was actually a man. Nicole Brown recalled a conversation with the four men charged with killing the teenager in which they itemized reasons why the girl they knew as Lida could be biologically male.

Video Clips of ABC 7 KGO-TV News Reports Eddie "Gwen" Araujo's Murder. Oct 21: One of three young men accused of slaying a cross-dressing Newark teenager has delayed entering a plea in Alameda County Superior Court. ABC7's Rigo Chacon reports on that and how the victim is being remembered by his family. Oct 18: Three young men were charged with murder Friday in the hate-crime slaying of a cross-dressing 17-year-old whose body was found two weeks after his disappearance. ABC7's Rigo Chacon reports. Oct 18: As Newark reels from the murder of a cross-dressing teen, Newark Memorial High School is preparing to stage The Laramie Project  the play about the 1998 murder of openly gay Wyoming student Matthew Shepard. ABC7's Don Sanchez has reaction. Oct 17: Police arrested four men on suspicion of murder after finding a body they believe is that of a missing 17-year-old Newark boy who lived as a girl. ABC7's Rigo Chacon reports. ~ View Video Clips of News Reports October 2002 ~ ABC 7 KGO-TV News Articles Eddie "Gwen" Araujo's Murder. ~ News Articles October 18th to November 18th, 2002 ~ Video Clips of KRON 4 News Reports Eddie "Gwen" Araujo's Murder. Oct 19: Three Charged in Hate Crime Death of Teen Oct 18: Vigil Held for Murdered Boy Who Lived as Girl ~ View Video Clips of News Reports October 2002 ~

Eddie 'Gwen' Araujo (ABC 7 KGO TV)

Crime & Justice News Archives 2003 ~ January, February, March & April 2003 ~ Eye on GLBT Crime & Justice GLBT Victims Archives ~ Featured GLBT Victims Special News Reports ~ Crime & Justice News Archives Index 2001 ~ 2002 [Complete listing of News Events, Articles and Reports.] *Eye on GLBT National Police Beat News Briefs. *Eye on GLBT Crime & Justice News November Archives. *Eye on GLBT Crime & Justice News August, September & October Archives. *Eye on GLBT Crime & Justice News Archives May 25, 2001 ~ March 9, 2002. ~ Click Here to View Archives Index ~

Florida Landmark Transsexual Child Custody Case

Florida Transsexual Granted Custody of Children February 23: A Florida transsexual was granted primary custody of his two children after a judge delivered a sweeping 800-page written decision that answered, for now, the question of just what makes a man under the law. The ruling stands to impact more than one family's insular custody battle. "It's a complete victory for Michael Kantaras, and it's a victory for all transsexuals," said Kantaras' attorney, Collin Vause. National Transgender Advocacy Coalition Media Release Shannon Minter, Legal Director of the National Center for Lesbian Rights (NCLR) is certain more state courts will rule favorably in transsexual marriage cases in the next few years. Minter and NCLR staff attorney Karen Doering comprised part of Michael Kantaras' legal team, along with local attorney Collin Vause.

Michael Kantaras granted custody of his children after a year-long wait. [Photo: Court TV]

Judge O'Brien's Opinion; pdf format.] Judge O'Brien's Judgement; [pdf format]

Jaron Nabors pleaded guilty to voluntary manslaughter and agreed to testify against his friends. [Mercury News]

Defendant Coolly Lays Out Ugly Details Of Teen's Death Feb 25: As the victim's family listened aghast, Jaron Chase Nabors gave his version of the ugly details of Eddie "Gwen" Araujo's death  from a defendant ordering her off a couch after a beating because she was bleeding on it to all four stopping at McDonalds for breakfast on the way home from burying the 17-year-old's body in the Sierra foothills. One Defendant Pleads Guilty in Araujo Killing Feb 24: Jaron Chase Nabors, 19, one of the four men charged in the killing of Eddir "Gwen" Araujo, pleaded guilty to voluntary manslaughter and agreed to testify against his friends. Nabors will get 11 years in prison under agreement reached with prosecutors.

Mercury News Trial Coverage of Four Men Acused of Eddie 'Gwen' Araujo's Murder [Feb 23~25:] *Nabors Describes Learning Details of Attack ~ *After Burying Araujo, Men Ate Breakfast at McDonald's. *Defendant Tells of "Soprano-Like Plan' in Killing ~ *Attack Witnesses Unlikely to Face Criminal Charges. ~ The Mercury News Articles ~

Teen Awarded $1.22 Million For Beating Mar 13: Kyle Skyock, a teen-age victim of a hate crime was awarded $1.22 million, after the teen survived an attack near Rifle. U.S. District Court Judge John Kane awarded the damages saying, "There is no doubt this is a hate crime. That kind of ignorance and barbaric and brutal attack of any human being is inexcusable."

Fred Martinez Jr. Brutally Beat to Death

Eye on GLBT Special News Report: On the horiffic and brutal murder teenager, Fred Martinez Jr., Comprehensive News Coverage 2001~2002 Archives and Fred Martinez Jr. Photo Gallery.

Mercury News Trial Coverage of Four Men Acused of Eddie "Gwen" Araujo [March 17, 18 & 19th.] *Trial Ordered in Teen's Killing. ~ *Judge Finds Enough Evidence To Try Suspects in Araujo Slaying. *Victim Offered Money, Slaying Suspect Testifies. ~ *Newark Man Admits Lying About Trangender Teen ~ The Mercury News Articls ~

Kyle Skyock Bashing Victim

Fanus Fouche, Left, Juan Meyer, Right, Bottom: Travis Reade, Right, and Sergio de Castro, Left. Four of  Eight Gay Men Who Were Massacred at Sizzler Massage Palor in Cape Town, So. Africa. (< Photo to the Right)

Trio Pleads Not Guilty in Slaying of Transgender Teen April 4: Three men facing murder charges in the death of a Newark transgender teenager entered not-guilty pleas in after weeks of detailed testimony about the killing. They're expected to be tried together in the Oct. 4 slaying of 17-year-old Eddie ``Gwen'' Araujo. Transgender Murder Trial Will be Closely Watched, Lawyer Says April 2: Gloria Allred, attorney for the victim's family, said, "Many transgender youths are in the closet. They live in fear. They are persecuted. They are humiliated. They are the victims of discriminatory acts and sometimes of violence," she said. "So there will be many people in this country who are looking at this case and are hoping for justice in this case." The trial could start nine months to a year from now, but, once the trial does start, it likely will be closely followed, Allred said.  ~ Read Both April 2nd & 4th News Articles ~

Alex King, then 12 years-old, said that he and Ricky M. Chavis, a convicted child molester were lovers, and the 40-year-old told him and his brother, Derek, 13, that they could live with him if their father wasn't around. So, Alex and Derek King, bludgeoned their father to death with a baseball bat while he was asleep on the couch. They then set their house a fire and fled. At first they admitted they killed their father, but, then recanted and said they had only confessed, because, Ricky Chavis told them to. Both boys testified against Chavis, saying that he killed their father, but, Chavis was acquitted of murder charges. The brothers were both found guilty of second degree murder, but, the judge threw out second-degree murder convictions and ordered the case into mediation. The boys then pleaded guilty to beating their father to death, recanting their earlier trial testimony that friend and convicted child molester Ricky Chavis committed the murder. Derek, 14, was sentenced to eight years, with credit for the year spent in Escambia County Jail. Alex, 13, was sentenced to seven years, also with a year's credit, becoming the youngest prisoner in Florida's adult correctional system. The boys were tried in the adult court system, as adults. But, the Department of Corrections, which runs the adult prison system, asked that the boys be transferred to one of the Department of Juvenile Justice's, residential facilities. Which they were and are now serving their sentences at a Juvenile Justice Facility. TBC's Eye on GLBT Crime & Justice Special News Report on Alex & Derek King ~ Comprehensive News Archives November 2001 through December 16, 2002 ~ Eye on GLBT Crime & Justice Special News Report ~ Alex & Derek Kings Photo Gallery ~

Alex King Trial & Department of Corrections Photos.

Derek King Trial & Department of Corrections Photos

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Man Shot Execution-Style On Gay Beach June 16: A prison warder was shot dead, execution style, while sunbathing on a Port Elizabeth nudist beach frequented by gays. The badly sunburned body of Johannes le Grange was found on a remote beach between Noordhoek and Cape Recife on Saturday, two days after he was last seen alive. There was a bullet wound at the back of his head and his beach bag, containing binoculars, a kitchen knife, car radio and clothes, was found near the body. The murder sent a shock wave through South Africa's gay community, still coming to terms with the massacre of eight gay men in a sex club in January. Eye on GLBT Crime & Justice Special News Report on the "Eight Gay Men Executed in South Africa Gay Massage Parlour" Trial Begins of Gay Teen Murdered By Man He Met on Gay Internet Chat June 16: The murder trial of a man accused of murdering a gay teenager he met on an Internet chat site began in the northern Alberta city of Fort McMurray. Chad Bath, 25, who is gay, is accused of killing Richard Sneath, 19, last summer in a local cruising park. The two met on the chat service gay.com one night last July, police said. Soon after that conversation, about 2 a.m., people living near a park area heard what sounded like fighting. Eye on GLBT Crime & Justice Special News Report, "Christopher Raynsford Murdered by Man He Met on Internet Chat".

Six Men on Trial For 'Anti-Gay' Murder June 17: A local prosecutor asked a D.C. Superior Court jury this week to convict six District men for murdering a man in December 2000 because the perpetrators believed the victim was gay, even though the government has no proof of the youth's sexual orientation. The sexual orientation of Kenneth Muldrow, 19, who died from a brutal beating in Northeast D.C. that included the insertion of an aluminum pole into his rectum is pivotal to the case.

Slain Teen's Mother Say He's 'My Angel Now' Eddie "Gwen" Araujo was the victim of hate, but his death must bring tolerance, mourners said. "Angels don't have a gender, and he's my angel now," Araujo's mother, Sylvia Guerrero, told 750 people who packed St. Edward's Catholic Church in Newark, "He's safe somewhere where no one can hurt him." Outside the church Gwen's mother released 17 monarch butterflies -- one for each year of his life, to cheers from the crowd. ~ Photo Gallery Gwen, Suspects, Gwen's Mother & Mourners Dressed as Angels ~

"Eddie 'Gwen' Araujo Memorial Fund & Memorial Websites" ~ The Eddie Gwen Araujo Jr. Memorial Fund ~ ~ The Eddie Gwen Araujo Jr. Memorial Fundraiser Photo Gallery ~ ~ Eddie "Gwen" Araujo, You Are in Our Thoughts.....WE LOVE YOU!!! ~

Aaron Price resented being looked at while in a shower stall. He retrived baseball bat and beat the student in the head with it.

Aaron Price testifies, with baseball bat he beat student in the head with it.

Gregory Love testifies he mistakenly looked into a shower stall.

Morehouse College Beating Victim, Gregory Love, Testifies June 9: Gregory Love told jurors he mistakenly looked into a shower stall occupied by Aaron Price because he thought his roommate was in the stall. Then was beaten with a baseball bat in the dormitory shower in an alleged hate crime incident and that defendant used a homophic slur in the moments leading up to the attack. Closing arguments are expected to take place on Wednesday.

Aaron Price Is Convicted of Assault, But No Hate Crime June 12: Aaron Price faces 10 years in prison for attacking a fellow College student but, acquitted of what prosecutors argued was a hate crime, motivated by anti-gay feelings. A jury ruled that Price did not commit a hate crime when he beat Gregory Love with a baseball bat in a dorm shower. ~ Courtroom Photo Gallery ~ WSB-TV Action News Atlanta Video Clip News Reports, Victim Testifies, Defendant Testifies, Closing Arguments and Jury Verdict. ~ Click to View Video Clips ~

Appeal Planned in Morehouse Beating Case June 12: The attorney for a 19-year-old former Morehouse College student convicted in baseball bat beating of another student says he will appeal the 10-year sentence. Price had planned to take prosecution's plea offer of a five-year sentence, last week. But, Price changed his mind, hired a new lawyer and went on trial.

After a fellow college student glanced into a shower stall, occupied by Aaron Price. Price went to his room, retrived a baseball bat and beat the student in the head with it and fractured his skull. He was charged with aggravated assault and was being tried under a state hate crime law. Price was found guilty of aggravated assault and battery, but, not guilty of the state's new anti-hate crime law. He received a 10-year sentence, but, is planning an appeal.

Friends March Against Hate June 7: A vigil to remember Jeffery Owens and speak out against anti- gay violence. A year ago, it was a scene of violence. But those who gathered Friday night behind The Menagerie bar in downtown Riverside came with messages of love and peace. They were there to celebrate the life of Jeffery Owens, who died in June 2002 after being stabbed outside the bar, and to speak out against hate. The death of Owens, a Moreno Valley man, deeply touched the gay community, and many believe he was the victim of a hate crime. About 100 people lit candles to honor Jeffery Owens and gathered around a tree in the back parking lot, near a bronze-and-gold plaque that bears his name.

Lighting candles in Jeffery Owens memory. (Silvia Flores/The Press-Enterprise)

Gay Teen Murdered By Man Met on Gay Chat Your Life Could be at Risk by Hooking-Up With Men From Gay Internet Chats? Second Man Was Murdered by a Someone They Met on Gay.Com Internet Chat.

Teen May Use Insanity Defense in Brother's Death Feb 20: Attorneys for a Hempfield teenager accused of beating his brother to death with a claw hammer said they may present a mental infirmity defense when Ian A. Bishop is brought to trial on a first-degree murder charge. Defense attorneys Thomas R. Ceraso and John D. Ceraso also said they plan to present evidence that Ian Bishop suffers from "emergent antisocial, negativistic personality traits with self-defeating, borderline and depressive features" that caused him to repeatedly strike his brother with the hammer.

Murder Trial of Paula Gutierrez, for Death of Tampa Officer Lois Marrero Our Sister Lois Marrero was taken from her life partner, Mickie Mashburn, when she was ambushed and killed while chasing a couple, who just robbed a bank. The coward who gunned Lois down, made a pack with his girlfriend to commit suicide, rather than be held accountable, as the Tampa police cornered them in an apartment. He commited suicide, but, his girlfriend didn't. Gutierrez went on trial for first-degree murder, two counts of burglary of a dwelling and armed robbery. A jury convicted her on all charges. TBC has a "Tribute & Memorial to Our Sister, Lois" and an Eye on GLBT Crime & Justice Special News Report with comprehensive news coverage of the "Murder Trial of Paula Gutierrez".

Lois M. Marrero Killed in the Line of Duty on July 6, 2001

Paula Gutierrez holding a gun allegedly used in murder.

Sakia Gunn Fifteen-year-old, Sakia, Newark, New Jersey, was waiting for a bus, with four of her teenage friends. Two men drove up to them, in a white station wagon. After she and her friends had rebuffed his advances and said that they were lesbians. Richard McCullough fatally stabbed Sakia. He now faces murder and weapons charges. And he also faces bias intimidation charges after authorities determined Sakia's sexual orientation played a role in the killing.

Police Issue a Warrant for Newark Man in Bias Stabbing May 13: Authorities obtained an arrest warrant for a man who they believe fatally stabbed a teenager after she and her friends rebuffed his advances and said they were lesbians. Richard McCullough, 29, faces murder and weapons charges, said Lt. Derek Glenn, Newark Police Department. He also faces bias intimidation charges because authorities determined that the teenager's sexual orientation played a role in the killing.

Thousands Mourn Sakia May 23: Imagine, if you will, 2,500 African American teenagers surrounding a one-story building. Now imagine 2,500 African American gay teenagers wearing rainbow colors everywhere they can bead, braid, paint, weave, stitch, and sew them and imagine that the 2,500 African American teenagers are 90% lesbian between 14 and 16, and mourning the death of one of their gay girl sisters. Tears and Then, Perhaps, Respect May 23: A day after her alleged killer walked into a police station and surrendered, Sakia Gunn, the lesbian victim of a hate crime, was laid to rest on a bright spring day that brought thousands of mourners to her funeral. In a private downstairs ceremony at Perry's Funeral Home, an open casket sat at the head of the room. Sakia lay in folds of white bunting, wearing a white jump suit. An emblem of rainbow colors was pinned to the open lid of the coffin. ~ Both May 23rd News Articles ~

Thousands Gather to Mourn the Death of Sakia Gunn.

Thousands Share Their Pain and Grief as They Mourn the Death of One of Their Sisters, Sakia Gunn.

Howard Dean Steps Up on Newark June 6: Democratic presidential hopeful registers his concern in call with Mayor Sharpe James. Expresses his outrage over murder of gay teen and offers his aid. Erasing Sakia, Who's to blame? June 6: There are some fundamental errors in the way most journalists reported the brutal murder of Sakia Gunn. According to most accounts, when the girls turned them down, explaining that they were gay, the men attacked them. The implication is, if the girls had politely said, "No thank you, not tonight, sweethearts," and then skeedaddled, the disappointed men would have left them alone. Anger Grows Toward Newark Mayor June 6: More than 100 gather at City Hall to press Sharpe James on lesbian murder. Resistance As a Way of Life. June 6: Newark minister urges respect and love. ~ Two News Articles ~ Murder of Lesbian Girl Leads to More Sadness Then Shock. June 6: Gay rights advocates said they are more saddened than shocked by the killing. Murder Of Sakia Gunn Sparks Rally For Counseling Center And Raises Queer Issues. June 4: Gay rights advocates marched on Newark City Hall, calling on Mayor Sharpe James to follow through on a pledge to meet with them about setting up a gay and lesbian counseling center for teens.

Gay Teen Murdered After Rebuffing Advances A man who police believe fatally stabbed Sakia Gunn, 15, after she and her friends rebuffed his advances and said they were lesbians, played a role in the killing.

Gay Man Arrested in 9/11 Trade Center Fraud Patric Henn fraudulently claimed partner died in WTC and scammed $68,000 from Red Cross 9/11 Fund.

Gay Man Arrested in Trade Center Fraud June 20: Con Artist Patric Ian Henn was taken into custody by Dallas Authorities. Henn is accused of falsely claiming that his purported partner, Jeff Anderson, perished on September 11, 2001, thus entitling him to partnership and survivor benefits. Using phony addresses, false social security numbers, and making up stories about a 'Luis Vitton' lifestyle, Henn duped charitable agencies into paying him over $70,000 in cash.

Life Sentence In Gay Killing June 20: A Texas man whose death sentence was overturned because his lawyer slept through parts of his trial and second trial was to begin in August, agreed to a plea bargain that will keep him off death row, but behind bars for life. Calvin Burdine originally was sentenced in 1984 to die for stabbing his partner W.T. "Dub" Wise to death.  Calvin Burdine ~ Texas Death Row Inmate Who Had a Sleeping Laywer Website.